Every year, we are bombarded with various cliche romantic comedies and dramedies, this is not the case for Before/During/After. While this film isn’t necessarily “groundbreaking”, Kunken and Lewer’s approach to a failing marriage is intimate and beautiful. The writing is sharp as a tack, the acting is superb, and the editing was used more as a tool for storytelling, instead of just meeting the bare requirements. The dynamic of Jennie and David’s relationship is revealed through short vignettes of the important and intimate moments in their relationship. These moments are intricately weaved throughout a once-in-a-lifetime audition Jennie is performing, shortly after their separation. The beauty of these moments come through in the cinematography, giving each scene a distinct sense of dreaminess, as it is a visualization of a memory. As the film progresses and their relationship falls apart, the dreamy nature of the scenes quickly turn into sharp doses of reality. 

The only place where Before/During/After falls short, is the lack of chemistry between Jennie and David. While David is supposed to be the bad guy, at times, it was difficult to believe he ever loved her, even in the flashbacks. We’re immediately given a perspective of how we are supposed to feel about David, never allowing his character to progress past Jennie’s disconnected, unsupportive husband. This isn’t all bad however. Because of David’s genuinely unlikeable character portrayal, we cheer for Jennie’s growing independence even more.

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WATCH THE TRAILER:

CAST

FINNERTY STEEVES - JENNIE

JEREMY DAVIDSON - DAVID

JOHN PANKOW - JIM LONERGAN

KRISTINE SUTHERLAND - PAT LONERGAN

OVERALL: 35.5/50 (71%)

CINEMATOGRAPHY: 7/10

ACTING: 7/10

EDITING: 7/10

WRITING: 8/10

DIRECTION: 6.5/10